His To Adore

Pretense

The monster

My sense of foreboding hasn't left since the moment I had stepped in the Oberoi compound. Nothing good came out of sudden emergencies in Oberoi's. I stare at the capos sitting accross the table, Akash at my side with a bored expression glaring at all of them. My father's consigliere sits accross me as we await the man himself. I forge my expression into a carefully crafted mask. Drugs and weapons has always made most of our money. Most in this table has taken shelter under that money. I, on the other hand, has made my own, expanded our business in places my father couldn't.

Most of them hate me for it.

Starting my own business wasn't about the money. Or the silly knack to prove myself. It was simply a ticket to get out of the Oberoi compound.

Vidyut Oberoi walks in, his senior guard at his side. The rest of us stand in a show of respect that I most definitely don't feel. Outside, Vidyut Oberoi was everything a don needs to be. Ruthless, calculating and always a step ahead. Key word: Outside.

He nods at us and we take a seat. He lets the silence boil, letting us stew our own imagination. I've played these games since childhood. I look at him unfazed. His gaze roams over all of us before stopping at me for a second more. I stare back.

His gaze moves again to the table. “Morning, gentlemen.” He speaks, “You all maybe wondering why I've declared an emergency meeting all of a sudden.”

God, cut the crap.

“Our rivalry with the Albanians was at the brink of war. And with the continued spar, both of our men were considerably lost. Even with the fact that we can crush them in the next attack, I had arranged a meeting with the Albanian don. With some persuation we have come to an agreement.”

My father's consigliere — Cassius— keeps his mouth stiched, refusing to give the slightest hint of where this was going. I don't give a reaction either, not when he gives a sideways glance at me. I am tempted to bark him to come to the point, but I keep my mouth shut. No one disrespects the don. No one. I can be killed even after being his heir.

He continues, “The Albanians are starting to take part in human trade.” My blood chills. No fucking way he has agreed to that. “He has asked for some of the women from our areas, pure blooded indians.” I stiffen.

“What are you doing ma?”
“I am helping some innocent women, kiddo.”
“Does that mean you are a hero?”
She kisses my forehead. “Whatever you call it. But I need you to promise me something.”
“What ma?”
“Don't tell your papa. This is our sweet secret, okay?”
I smile brightly. “Promise.”

I blink back the sudden haze of memories. I force myself to keep up my facade. His voice tunes in again. “.. have agreed for an ally and also allowed our business there.”

The rest of the table nods in agreement, except me and Akash. Cassius's eyes narrows at us. I could not be bothered less.

“That sounds like a great idea.” One of the capos whose name I hadn't bothered knowing speaks, a sick gleam in his eyes. I tune them out. All of them are going to agree anyways. I lean back in my chair, the picture of a relaxed, unbothered position. My father's gaze lands on me, scrutinizing for an ounce of weakness. I lift my coffee and take a sip. Not quite my taste, but can be worked with.